Courage, Strength, Success

Joshua 1:7-9 KJV

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Often folks use verse 8 by itself as God's solution for success. While that IS a correct application, I believe we miss something when we neglect the rest of the passage.

God is speaking to Joshua here, right after he lost his leader, friend, and mentor, Moses. While known as a warrior, Joshua no doubt feared his new role as a leader.

God doesn't just tell him to suck it up, but tells him what tool to use: the Law.

First, I want to point out the obvious. God equates Strength and Courage with obedience. My, how our world has perverted that. We think that the strong and courageous should be independent, answering to no one. God says otherwise. If you want to show how macho you are, live within the rules. This applies not only to God's rules, but rules at work, school, community, and even laws.

Not that the strong man won't slip, but his practice is of obedience, the slipping is the exception.

Secondly, I see that this passage tells us something about the Law, or in our vernacular, the Bible, God's Word.

Too many people get hung up on Christ's teaching about the law in relation to salvation. While obviously Christ spoke truth, saying the law was our schoolmaster pointing us towards our need for redemption, he never proclaimed that to be the exclusive use of his Law.

From cover to cover we find commands and illustrations telling us that following the "rules" is the way we should go. We have to realize that though we had no part in our salvation, we certainly have a responsibility to God, after salvation. Living a holy, acceptable life can only be accomplished through the power of Christ, but it involves work on our part. Don't be afraid of the word "works." We're not talking about salvation, but of obedience.

In Matthew 5:16 Jesus tells us that we let our light shine by doing good works before men that our Father in heaven may be glorified.

Ephesians 2:10 says we are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Then it goes on to say God had ordained that we do walk in them, or that He always intended us to do good works. Again: not for salvation, but simply to glorify God and point men to Christ.

In Second Timothy chapter 3, we are told in verse 16 that the Bible, all of it, is inspired by God, and is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

Then verse 17 tells us why: "That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

So, are you strong, courageous, and brave? Don't worry about what the world thinks the standard for that is. God says the strong follow the rules. Be strong.